Kagame At Ifad

President Kagame has called for investments in research and new technologies to raise production and value addition especially for staple food crops in developing countries. The as he delivered a key note address at the annual meeting of the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) in Rome Wednesday.

The president explained that to break the cycle of drought and famine in Africa there is need to intensify irrigation and manage water resources better But says the ultimate long-term solutions to investment in agriculture will come from greater involvement of the private sector

Adding that to meet the twin objectives of feeding a growing population and protecting the environment we have to do what works. President kagame stated the right policies and adequate investment in agriculture can increase food production while protecting the environment.

He affirmed that smallholder agriculture in most developing countries is the source of livelihood and food supply.He added Agricultural GDP in Rwanda has grown at an average of 8%, ensuring food security and higher incomes for farmers

President Kagme urged IFAD member countries to learn from agricultural models that have worked and use them to suit smallholder farmers. He gave the example of Land consolidation in the country which has reduced the cost of protecting scattered lands and increased production for small-scale farmers

Adding Rwanda has also controlled Erosion by planting trees and digging terraces to protect land against heavy rains and wind

He also said long term weather forecasts and advice from the ministry of agriculture to farmers on best varieties of crops to be planted has helped boost agricultural production

And a significant increase in output from smallholder farms has had a noticeable impact on the lives of the people in the country.

Meanwhile the President IFAD, Kanayo Nwanze at the meeting announced establishment of Agriculture Adaptation Smallholder Fund to support small farmers.